The president had the same margin over Romney when the poll was conducted in late May. It's worth noting that the margin narrowed slightly in June to a six point difference in favor of Obama–49% to 43%–but is now back to eight points.

CNN's Electoral Map rates Wisconsin, a state that holds 10 electoral votes in the general election, as leaning towards Obama.

However, Republicans have indicated they consider the Badger State up for grabs this November, especially after Republican Gov. Scott Walker survived a contentious recall effort in June.

"I'll tell ya, I think President Obama had just put this in his column," he added. "[Obama] just assumed at the very beginning Wisconsin was going to be his."

Obama carried the state in 2008 by 13 points over Sen. John McCain, 56%-43%.

As expected, the health of the economy proves to be an influential factor among Wisconsin voters, the new poll shows. The 22% of voters who think the economy has improved tend to support Obama, while the 33% who believe it has gotten worse are more supportive of Romney.

Regarding Walker, who's also a Romney surrogate and rumored to be a potential running mate pick, the poll shows the Republican governor with a 50% job approval rating, compared to 44% of those who disapprove. Also significant, a majority–52%–of independents approve of Walker's handling of his job, while 41% disapprove.

In addition, the state is undergoing a big Senate race this year, with Republicans still competing in a crowded primary set for August 14. Former Gov. Tommy Thompson leads the GOP field with the backing of 35% of likely primary voters.

The Republican winner will face off against Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin this fall. According to a hypothetical matchup in the poll, Thompson has a small advantage over Baldwin, 45% to 41%.

soundoff(12 Responses)

Wire Palladin, S. F.

After what the republcan billionaires have done in Florida, I can only say, "Look out Wisconsin! You are about to be bombarded with the biggest negative ad lies in history from the Kochs and the turdblossom."

July 11, 2012 04:13 pm at 4:13 pm |

tellin it like it is

this is still almost within the margin of error. still plenty of time for romney to make up any difference, if there really is any. no idea how many of those polled were democrats/republican/independents, etc. it is still telling that obama is showing weakness in states that he won handily in 2008.

July 11, 2012 04:20 pm at 4:20 pm |

Maria

The Hampton folks will never be able to buy/steal this election

July 11, 2012 04:33 pm at 4:33 pm |

Sniffit

"CNN's Electoral Map rates Wisconsin, a state that holds 10 electoral votes in the general election, as leaning towards Obama. "

And yet, in the article above about Maine, Obama polled with only a 6% lead, as opposed to the 8% lead stated here, and CNN put Maine in the Obama column, not just "leaning." CNN is just trying to keep WI in the "battleground state" conversation because the whole Walker thing was so sensational and controversial.

July 11, 2012 04:34 pm at 4:34 pm |

jerry

never heard of this polling organization...and we all know this is not accurate...obama is finished.

July 11, 2012 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |

jerry

what poll is this? Don't make sense and don't buy it.

July 11, 2012 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |

Prosperid

tellin it like it is from a delusional fox standpoint. Obama will win and he holds a 240-205 LEAD in the Electoral votes.
Obama will win the electoral outright, but will win a very close popular vote. Hope you understant which one matters the most. Like Hilary who killed Obama in popular votes but still didn't win the electoral votes in the democratic primary.

July 11, 2012 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |

tellin it like it is

>You are about to be bombarded with the biggest negative ad lies in history

yes, obama superpacs are running a lot of negative ads against romney. most of them lies and distortions according to independent fact checkers. where are all the ads bragging about obamacare?

July 11, 2012 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |

jerry

right...hahaha

July 11, 2012 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |

mikle

Don't trust this poll at all. Only Rasm... and Gal. poll.

July 11, 2012 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |

Dominican mama 4 Obama

Polls...nice...useless....VOTE! VOTE!! VOTE!!!

July 11, 2012 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |

Prosperid

Don't trust Gallup/Rasm...haven't you learned from 2008...guess not because you still vote republican....TRUST THE ELECTORAL MAP (VOTING NUMBERS THAT ACTUALLY MATTERS.) CNN OFFER THIS INFORMATION YOU KNOW.
"CNN ELECTORAL MAP & CALCULATOR". YOU KNOW OBAMA IS GONNA WIN DON'T YOU?